If I’ve been challenged in any area of my walk with God it’s the constant battle of learning about God (information) and knowing God (intimacy). I absolutely love learning, in fact, I often feel like Neo from the Matrix when I listen to tapes, read books, etc.. I get all of this information crammed in my brain and it makes me feel amazing, for the moment. I’m addicted to gathering information.

Glen Packiam recently wrote a book that I haven’t gotten a chance to read yet, called Second Hand Jesus. The thesis is essentially that we live in a culture that experiences God 2nd hand through books, listening to sermons, etc.instead of experiencing Him for ourselves.I believe we’ve experienced a lot of things second hand.

Over time, I’ve come to the realization that I can know a ton about God, but not KNOW God. I can know a lot about leadership, but not actually be leading. I can learn a lot about love, but not actually love. I can learn a lot about successful relationships, and have nothing but shallow relationships.

While I’ve experienced God for myself, I haven’t to the level that I want to. While I’ve led to a certain level in my life, I haven’t developed my potential as a leader as I should have . . . you get the picture. All because I’m more focused on information than intimacy, learning than doing, talking instead of walking…

The problem with this lifesytle is that it’s not real. Until you’ve moved beyond information to intimacy, learning to doing, talking to walking… You’ve never actually lived what you’ve learned, but how often do we learn something new and believe we’re living it because we’ve read it.

I don’t know if you struggle with this or not, but I know this, I’m finished living this lifestyle. While I’m comitted to being a life long learner, I’m making a commitment to refuse to continue to just gather  information so I can say I did or quote something cool from a book or sermon. Instead, I’m going to start focusing on being with God, actually leading, actually doing what I’m learning. I know this is the season God is bringing me into… and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

What about you? Are you an information addict? What do you do to combat this?

Because of the joy^[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Hebrews 12:2

The Other Side of Bondage

We’ve talked about this verse before, but I want to point out the latter part of it . . . Because of the joy (seeing you live the life He intended you to live) awaiting Him, He endured the cross. NOW, He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Jesus is now on the “other side” of the cross.. Do you think he ever looks back and regrets it? No Way! Would you not agree that He is living the life right now (He is seated on the right hand of God in Heaven!)

I want to conclude this series with a few encouraging words for those who may be in bondage:

There is an “Other Side” to your Bondage – Listen to me, the bondage your in right now is temporary, and if you’ll focus on Jesus… you’ll be on the other side of it in no time.

When You’re Free, You Won’t Need Anything – James 1:2-4 changed my life! The end result of going through trials is that you’ll “Be Perfect and Complete, NEEDING NOTHING!” It’s hard to put into words, but you have not lived until you have lived in the freedom Christ has provided for you.

When You Don’t Need Anything, You’re Free to Give Everything - Perhaps this is the greatest joy in being free… When you’re free… you no longer need to focus on yourself. You can focus on others and help lift people out of their addictions, bondage’s, etc. by pointing them to Jesus.

If you’re bound to anything my prayer for your today is that you’ll realize the freedom that is available to you through Christ. He died so you could live a life free from sin, free from addiction, and free from bondage.

If you’re bound, please listen to me, you do not have to live like this anymore… There is another side and another life that God intended you to live – Don’t go another day without seeking Him.

If you have questions or would like help with something you’re going through – let me know and I’ll try and get the right resources in your hands and help you in anyway I can.

So don’t get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing IF WE DON’T GIVE UP.                                                                                          -Galatians 6:9

People who get free are the people that do not quit…they don’t stop believing….they keep pressing on regardless of the circumstances… they refuse to live at a level lower than God’s best.

Keith Moore said this and it’s had a huge impact on me, “Do you know you can believe God for 3 weeks and quit and get the same results as someone who never believed at all?”

No matter where you’re at in your Christian journey you’re going to face things that will make you want to throw in the towel.

The key is recognizing that God is faithful…He’s a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, He isn’t a respecter of persons, what He’ll do for one, He’ll do for you. In fact, He’s already provided everything you need to live a life of victory you just have to receive it.

Your victory, your freedom, and God’s will for your life will all come when you make the decision to never give up.